Chapter 3: Problem 15
For each quadratic function, (a) write the function in the form \(P(x)=a(x-h)^{2}+k,\) (b) give the vertex of the parabola, and (c) graph the function. Do not use a calculator. $$P(x)=3 x^{2}+4 x-1$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
Vertex form: \(P(x) = 3(x + \frac{2}{3})^2 - \frac{7}{3}\); Vertex: \((-\frac{2}{3}, -\frac{7}{3})\).
Step by step solution
01
Identify Coefficients
The given quadratic equation is in the form $ax^2 + bx + c$. Here, identify the values of $a$, $b$, and $c$ from the equation $P(x) = 3x^2 + 4x - 1$. We have $a=3$, $b=4$, and $c=-1$.
02
Completing the Square
We need to express the function in the vertex form \(P(x)=a(x-h)^2+k\). Start by factoring out 3 from the first two terms: \(P(x) = 3(x^2 + \frac{4}{3}x) - 1\). Now, complete the square for the expression in the parenthesis: take \((\frac{4}{3} \div 2)^2 = (\frac{2}{3})^2 = \frac{4}{9}\) and add and subtract this inside the parenthesis: \(P(x) = 3(x^2 + \frac{4}{3}x + \frac{4}{9} - \frac{4}{9}) - 1\). This becomes \(P(x) = 3((x + \frac{2}{3})^2 - \frac{4}{9}) - 1\).
03
Simplify the Expression
Distribute the 3 back through the completed square expression and simplify: \(P(x) = 3(x + \frac{2}{3})^2 - \frac{12}{9} - 1\). Combine like terms: \(P(x) = 3(x + \frac{2}{3})^2 - \frac{12}{9} - \frac{9}{9} = 3(x + \frac{2}{3})^2 - \frac{21}{9}\). Further simplify the constant term: \(P(x) = 3(x + \frac{2}{3})^2 - \frac{7}{3}\).
04
Determine the Vertex
The vertex form of the equation is \(P(x) = 3(x + \frac{2}{3})^2 - \frac{7}{3}\), which is in the form \(P(x) = a(x-h)^2+k\). Here, \(h = -\frac{2}{3}\) and \(k = -\frac{7}{3}\). Thus, the vertex of the parabola is \((-\frac{2}{3}, -\frac{7}{3})\).
05
Sketch the Graph
Plot the vertex \((-\frac{2}{3}, -\frac{7}{3})\). Since \(a = 3\), the parabola opens upwards and is narrower than the standard parabola (as \(a > 1\)). Sketch the parabola ensuring it passes through the vertex and has the general upward shape expected for a positive leading coefficient.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Vertex Form
The vertex form of a quadratic function is a useful way to express the function and easily identify its vertex. It's written as \[ P(x) = a(x-h)^2 + k \]. Here, \(a\) affects the width and direction of the parabola, while \((h, k)\) is the vertex of the parabola.
Using the example \(P(x) = 3(x + \frac{2}{3})^2 - \frac{7}{3}\), we easily find that the vertex is \((-\frac{2}{3}, -\frac{7}{3})\). This form makes graphing intuitive, as you can directly plot the vertex and then use \(a\) to determine the parabola's shape.
- The value \(a\) indicates whether the parabola opens upwards (if \(a > 0\)) or downwards (if \(a < 0\)).
- The vertex \((h, k)\) provides a key point on the graph and is the 'turning point' of the parabola.
Using the example \(P(x) = 3(x + \frac{2}{3})^2 - \frac{7}{3}\), we easily find that the vertex is \((-\frac{2}{3}, -\frac{7}{3})\). This form makes graphing intuitive, as you can directly plot the vertex and then use \(a\) to determine the parabola's shape.
Completing the Square
Completing the square is a method to transform a quadratic equation into vertex form. This involves creating a perfect square trinomial from a quadratic, which can then be rearranged into vertex form, making it simpler to identify the vertex.
Here's a simple breakdown of the process:
In our example:- Start with \(3(x^2 + \frac{4}{3}x)\), - Add and subtract \(\frac{4}{9}\), turning it into a perfect square: \(3((x + \frac{2}{3})^2 - \frac{4}{9})\).- Distribute back, and simplify to get \(P(x) = 3(x + \frac{2}{3})^2 - \frac{7}{3}\). This transformed equation makes further analysis easier.
Here's a simple breakdown of the process:
- Factor out the coefficient \(a\) from the quadratic and linear terms.
- Find the term needed to complete the square for the expression \(x^2 + \frac{b}{a}x\). This is found by taking \(\left(\frac{b}{2a}\right)^2\).
- Add and subtract this term inside the parentheses, then rearrange to form a square trinomial plus or minus some constant.
In our example:- Start with \(3(x^2 + \frac{4}{3}x)\), - Add and subtract \(\frac{4}{9}\), turning it into a perfect square: \(3((x + \frac{2}{3})^2 - \frac{4}{9})\).- Distribute back, and simplify to get \(P(x) = 3(x + \frac{2}{3})^2 - \frac{7}{3}\). This transformed equation makes further analysis easier.
Graphing Parabolas
Graphing parabolas becomes straightforward when using the vertex form of a quadratic function because you can directly locate the vertex. Here's how to sketch the graph:Follow these steps:
The vertex provides a clear reference, and combining this with the leading coefficient \(a\) offers a vivid idea of the parabola's orientation and width.
- Identify the vertex \((h, k)\) from the vertex form \(P(x) = a(x-h)^2 + k\). The vertex in our case is \((-\frac{2}{3}, -\frac{7}{3})\).
- Since \(a = 3\), the parabola opens upwards and is narrower than a standard parabola. This is because any \(a > 1\) narrows the graph.
- Sketch the parabola beginning at the vertex. The axis of symmetry goes through this point, which helps ensure a balanced graph.
- Use other points from the function, if needed, to ensure accuracy in the shape and direction of the curve.
The vertex provides a clear reference, and combining this with the leading coefficient \(a\) offers a vivid idea of the parabola's orientation and width.